Description
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce is a classic comfort dessert featuring cubes of bread baked in a rich cinnamon-spiced custard and served with a warm homemade vanilla sauce. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners and cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Bread Pudding:
8 cups day-old French bread or brioche, cubed
4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Vanilla Sauce:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the cubed bread evenly in the baking dish. Add the raisins if using.
3. Whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the custard evenly over the bread cubes and gently press the bread down so it absorbs the liquid. Let stand for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until golden brown and the center is just set.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the vanilla sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the sugar and heavy cream, then simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
8. Allow the bread pudding to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
9. Spoon the warm vanilla sauce generously over each serving and enjoy.
Notes
Day-old bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming mushy.
Brioche, challah, French bread or Italian bread all work beautifully.
Do not skip the soaking time for the creamiest texture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra-special dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American